Good morning, Grand Junction.

On Thursday, the City of Grand Junction hosted the Get to Know Your City event where residents engaged with city officials and learned about upcoming projects plus initiatives for supporting the unhoused, while Mayor Cody Kennedy discussed future service improvements.

This event is part of the city’s regular efforts to maintain open dialogue with the community.

Local experts are hosting a three-part series called 'Thriving in Your Retirement Years' to help residents plan for retirement by discussing Medicare and insurance, wealth building, and reverse mortgages; the first session was held on June 4 and the upcoming sessions will be on July 9 and August 6 at Abstract & Title Co, 2464 Patterson Rd at 6:30 p.m.

Two District 51 teachers, Liz Fitzgerald of Mesa View Elementary and Stephanie LaCount of Grand Junction High School, were named semifinalists for Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education after being selected from 419 applicants.

Finalists will be announced in September and the winner named in October + both educators are recognized for their long service and commitment to student success.

Grand Valley Transit is offering free summer rides as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative funded by Senate Bill 24-032 — the program aims to reduce air pollution by encouraging more Coloradans to use transit during peak ozone months.

On June 5th, the Grand Junction Police Department reported that Mesa County non-emergency dispatch lines for police and fire services were down after 2:00 p.m.—affected groups include Grand Junction Police and Fire, Palisade Fire, Fruita Fire, and Lower Valley Professional Firefighters, and those needing help were advised to call 911. Officials have not yet said when service will be restored.

Jace DiCola, the Sentinel’s Health & Wellness Reporter, was awarded the SPCC Media Award for his careful coverage of suicide in Mesa County—he received the honor at the annual conference in Colorado Springs.

He has since published multiple articles on mental health that have helped keep local readers informed.

New data shows Colorado is the third hardest state to buy a starter home because buyers face high costs and few choices.

The study finds Colorado has a composite score of 22.0, with starter homes making up 59% of available housing and the median price reaching $486,169 while mortgages take 47.9% of renter income.

Athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete at the Special Olympics Summer Games in Grand Junction as the opening ceremony kicks off today at 7:30 p.m. and competitions begin Saturday—Mesa County Sheriff’s Office will sell donuts and coffee at 7:00 a.m. today to raise funds while volunteers are invited to help run the events.

Wüffstock at the Gardens: Liver Down the River

4-7 p.m. — Western Colorado Botanical Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Zac Grant and Liver Down the River in a beautiful botanical setting.

Colorado Native Plant Master: Noxious Weeds Training

8 AM – 12 PM — Colorado State University Extension Tri-River Area — Check website for cost — Engage in hands-on classes to identify and manage invasive weeds in Western Colorado.

DJ Snoopadelic Summer Bash

5-6:30 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $50-$109 — Enjoy an unforgettable evening with DJ Snoopadelic at the ultimate summer BBQ bash.

Mineral & Rock Sale

9 AM – 3 PM — Grand Junction Gem & Mineral — Open to all — Discover an array of gems, fossils, and minerals from local enthusiasts.

Summer Solstice Celebration

1-2 a.m. — Wingate Park — Free entry — Celebrate the energizing Light and Love of the Summer Solstice at sunset.